In a town of spoiled directors, Fisher Stevens just became the most spoiled director in Hollywood.

The 49-year-old actor ("Short Circuit") and Oscar-winning documentarian ("The Cove") got the opportunity of a lifetime when he was hired to direct three screen legends in the film "Stand Up Guys," which opens Friday.

Oscar-winners Al Pacino, Christopher Walken and Alan Arkin play aging gangsters out for one last night of revelry and criminal behavior.

"I'm so spoiled," Stevens said. "It'll be hard to direct anything after this, but I'll try."

Pacino plays a career criminal just released from prison after 28 years. Walken, his best friend, picks him up at the prison, and the friends eventually hook up with another old friend (Arkin).

Stevens will discuss what it was like to direct these Hollywood icons, how they worked together on the set and, most important, whether he ever asked Walken if he wanted "more cowbell."

ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER:I know you have some history with these three great actors, but I was wondering how you were able to sleep at night before you started to direct them.

FISHER STEVENS: Sure, I was nervous. But the lucky thing for me was that I am an actor, and they look at me as an actor. We had an immediate language that we shared. I felt comfortable with them at times. Other times, my greatest fear was that I would say something that would totally derail a scene.

Q.I assume you had rehearsals before you started.

A. Not much before we started filming, but then Chris, Al and I would meet every Saturday and go over the next week's work. When Alan Arkin came to town, then he joined us, and that's when the magic started.

Q.What were they like to work with?

A. The thing that really inspired me about them was the amount of energy and effort they put toward the movie and to their roles. They struggled over every scene to make sure it felt right.

Q.Even though you and Al have known each other for years, is it possible for you to look through the lens at Al Pacino and not see all the great roles he's played in his career?

A. I think I'm really lucky to know him so it is possible for me. I've known him for 20 years. I've hung out with him a lot.

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